The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) Division has a vision for just, equitable and resilient Pacific societies. It aims to achieve this by advancing human rights, equality and social inclusion for all Pacific people, grounded in cultural values and principles. The work of this Division includes work previously undertaken by the Regional Rights Resource Team in the area of human rights and good governance, and by the Social Development Programme in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion, culture and youth development. The Division’s current work program includes two major gender programs – the Pacific Women Lead and the Women in Leadership programs.

Pacific Women Lead (PWL) is a new AUD 170 million Pacific regional development program, funded by the Australian Government. Commencing in 2021 for an initial period of five years, components of PWL will be managed and delivered by HRSD under its Business Plan and work programme for 2021-2025. The PWL program goal is that Pacific women and girls, in all their diversity, are safe and equitably share in resources, opportunities and decision-making, with men and boys. There are three end-of-program outcomes envisaged: (1) Women’s leadership promoted; (2) Women’s rights realised; and (3) Pacific regional partners increase the effectiveness of regional gender equality efforts.

The Women in Leadership (WIL) program seeks to enhance the representation of women in leadership roles within SPC and thereby ensure that more women meaningfully inform and participate in the strategic and programmatic direction of the organisation.

The role – Coordinator – Women in Leadership Program will provide technical advice, assistance, and capacity building primarily under the HRSD work program, with a particular focus on implementing and managing the SPC Women in Leadership program and providing inputs as required in relation to SPC institutional strengthening and people-centred approach. This role will function under a matrix arrangement, based within the HRSD Division with dual reporting to the Executive Office (Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women) and Director – Human Rights and Social Development Division.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Manage the implementation and reporting of the Women in Leadership program
• Provide technical assistance and advice to guide the delivery of the Women in Leadership program
• Co-lead stakeholder engagement and facilitate strategic program communications

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications and requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as development, human rights, law, gender or international relations

Knowledge and experience:

• At least 10 years of development experience working in gender equality and social inclusion and/or human rights, with at least 7 years working in the Pacific region
• At least 7 years of program management experience in development projects specifically in the areas of women in leadership, gender equality and social inclusion or human rights
• Applied knowledge of national, regional, and international human rights, gender and social inclusion frameworks and development challenges in the Pacific
• Experience in donor engagement and relationship management

Essential skills:

• Sound and applied knowledge of work planning, results-based management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
• Financial management skills, including budgeting and financial control
• Excellent capacity building skills with demonstrated experience in training, coaching, and facilitating
• Complex multisector coordination, planning and design skills
• Excellent analytical, organisational and negotiation skills, and abilities to work effectively in a matrix team structure
• Critical analysis and innovative thinking skills
• Presentation, communication, reporting writing and facilitation skills
• Networking and stakeholder engagement skills

Language skills:

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness:

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment
• Experience in working with multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams
• Awareness of the cultural, political and religious sensitivities across the Pacific region

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – The Principal Strategic Lead – Pacific Women is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,478‒4,348 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,504–13,130 (USD 4,835–6,043; EUR 4,266–5,333). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

Application procedure

Applicants must apply online via the "Apply Now" button.

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume
• contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.

For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

Please ensure that you respond to all the screening questions. If you do not respond to the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening Questions

• Please provide examples of donor-funded programs you have managed. Highlight technical and financial challenges you faced in program management and what you did to overcome these challenges.
• Outline unique challenges to realising gender equality and women in leadership in practice at an organisational level. Highlight demonstrated examples of addressing the stated challenges at a national and/or regional level.
• Briefly explain your experience with matrix and shared responsibilities with respect to the design and delivery of projects, programs and activities.

A position description is attached.